We could learn a lot about John McCain from 1994

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_8_39/ai_n6025847(*full cite and credit given below).

Oh, we think we've seen enough lists, we think we aren't concerned with government and lobbying, we think it doesn't matter but we're wrong.

First, the health insurance lobby wants "effective health care practices", studies, conclusions to weed out those things that supposedly "don't work". Hmm... the expansion of exclusions and exceptions to coverage well, we're living that dream.

Next, the health insurance lobby wants the rewarding of those doing a good job managing costs, euphemistically called "quality-based medical practice." Well, that dream applies to consumers though physicians practicing defensive medicine aren't exactly on board.

Third, regarding the uninsured: Tax credits for lower income individuals so that they can pay for health insurance....John McCain's floating this one.

The promotion of flexible health savings accounts for "younger Americans" so that they "seek and maintain health coverage".....well, health savings plans have taken off as everyone forgets they were intended for the young and healthy and we all try to maintain some kind of coverage.

Health insurers should "INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO ENROLL" adults and children in Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

HIGH RISK pools for individuals with high health costs.

SO WHAT YOU ASK? So, these goals were reported in an article reporting the merger of two health insurance company lobbyists...America's Health Insurance Plans formed through the merged American Association of Health Plans and Health Insurance Association of America.

SO WHAT YOU ASK? These goals were described in 1994. Maximum money, minimum coverage. And since then we've seen what a little lobbying can do.

SO WHAT YOU ASK? Well, look what AHIP wants now...no legislative mandates that health insurance need cover specific ailments or conditions (sort of cuts into their charge more give less formula). More health savings plans (after all, empowering consumers to pay for their own health care is a great "CHOICE"). High risk pools ....of course.
No limits on premium increases....well, naturally.

SO WHAT YOU ASK? Maybe nothing, or maybe it's time to write to your representatives acting on your behalf regarding health insurance in your state in addition to writing out premium checks to health insurance companies. Maybe.


*Mary Ellen Schneider "Two groups merge: health insurance lobby states priorities". OB/GYN News. April 15, 2004. FindArticles.com. 15 May. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_8_39/ai_n6025847